On Not Seeing: Black Box Theory, 2018

“On Not Seeing” is a set of sculptures, each based on an object whose function relies on what is seen and what is hidden from view. These objects are produced out of scale and are rendered in materials that destabilize their functions. Through this process-led intervention, I reveal the inner workings of the objects and, therefore, render them inoperative—transforming the objects into inert subjects of inquiry. “Black Box Theory” is modeled off of a theoretical diagram utilized in Behaviorism. Black Box Theory postulates that the mind is unknowable, therefore the only way to study the mind is to observe responses to stimuli. All that can be studied is what can be directly seen, the input and output, but not the mechanism that produces the result.

On Not Seeing: Magic Ball and Vase

“The Magic Ball & Vase” is based upon a mass-produced magic trick. The trick purports to make a ball disappear from within a vase with a lid. The supposed disappearance is not performed sleight of hand, but instead part of the object itself. I have reproduced this object in cast aluminum at 16-inches high instead of 2-inches high, and displayed the interior workings of the apparatus resulting in a deconstructed set of forms.

prev / next of thumbnails

On Not Seeing: Black Box Theory, 2018

“On Not Seeing” is a set of sculptures, each based on an object whose function relies on what is seen and what is hidden from view. These objects are produced out of scale and are rendered in materials that destabilize their functions. Through this process-led intervention, I reveal the inner workings of the objects and, therefore, render them inoperative—transforming the objects into inert subjects of inquiry. “Black Box Theory” is modeled off of a theoretical diagram utilized in Behaviorism. Black Box Theory postulates that the mind is unknowable, therefore the only way to study the mind is to observe responses to stimuli. All that can be studied is what can be directly seen, the input and output, but not the mechanism that produces the result.

On Not Seeing: Magic Ball and Vase

“The Magic Ball & Vase” is based upon a mass-produced magic trick. The trick purports to make a ball disappear from within a vase with a lid. The supposed disappearance is not performed sleight of hand, but instead part of the object itself. I have reproduced this object in cast aluminum at 16-inches high instead of 2-inches high, and displayed the interior workings of the apparatus resulting in a deconstructed set of forms.